Perceptions of Oil in Early Judaism and the Meal Formula in Joseph and Aseneth

Abstract

Oil of anointing has been thought out of place in the triadic meal formula in Joseph and Aseneth. This study addresses the problem by examining certain perceptions of oil in early Judaism and their relationship to Jewish attitudes toward food and drink. In various ancient Jewish sources, oil ranks with food and drink as those items deemed most vulnerable to pagan defilement, and conversely, if used properly, as representative items to express a distinctive Jewish identity. Recognizing these perceptions of oil vitiates Joseph and Aseneth’s otherwise problematic placement of right and wrong ointment alongside right and wrong bread and cup in a triadic formula that sets the proper use of these staples over against their usage by outsiders and distinguishes the worshiper of God from the idolater.